NO LOOKING BACK
SOONERS MUST PUT LOSS BEHIND THEM WITH THE CYCLONES COMING TO TOWN
Keys for Iowa State Stick with the run game:
Oklahoma struggles when teams force feed the run game over four quarters. Iowa State can’t get discouraged if a motivated Oklahoma defense stops the run game during the first half of the game. The Cyclones only pull the upset by making this one ugly and finding a way in the fourth quarter. Matt Campbell’s team can achieve that if it sticks with the run game and avoids putting all the pressure on quarterback Brock Purdy.
Make Jalen Hurts throw:
It’s not that Oklahoma’s quarterback can’t throw because he absolutely can, but there’s no doubt that the Alabama transfer is most comfortable running the football. His passing game is built off the threat of his running ability. If Iowa State can win the early downs and force Hurts to pass from the pocket, he might just make a couple of mistakes.
Keys for Oklahoma
Tackle: Oklahoma lost to Kansas State because the defense couldn’t tackle. Iowa State will attempt to exploit that issue early and often with a physical style. The Sooners defense is talented, as we saw with their performance against Texas, but it’ll need that type of effort each game to avoid another pitfall on the season. Iowa State isn’t overly explosive. Oklahoma wins this game if it avoids giving up big plays due to missed tackles.
Play clean: The key to avoiding an upset as a heavy home favorite is to avoid mistakes. The defense must tackle and the offense needs to avoid unforced errors like dumb penalties or fumbles. The only way Iowa State wins this game is if Oklahoma doesn’t play at its best. Avoiding turnovers, penalties and missed tackles provides few routes for Iowa State to find a victory in this contest.
Prediction
Oklahoma 42, Iowa State
28: Expect Oklahoma to play its best football of the season at home coming off an open week that followed a loss. This Sooners squad should be motivated. Lincoln Riley knows this team must run the table, and do so impressively, for Oklahoma to reach the College Football Playoffs. Give me Jalen Hurts and the Sooners offense to start fast, and the defense to play adequate enough to earn a win.